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With the end of 2018 inching closer, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is wrapping up some of the year’s biggest milestone projects.

10TV looked into where those projects stand and what is next for 2019.

The West Outerbelt

Drivers may have noticed busier traffic along I-270 in both directions on the west side, thanks to the I-270 widening project between Dublin and Hilliard.

As busy as it has been during this project, ODOT engineers tell 10TV the work was needed to relieve growing congestion in the area.

“Every section of this -- and by section, I mean between Tuttle and Cemetery, and Cemetery and Roberts, or Roberts and I-70 -- the traffic counts are well over 100,000 vehicles per day, every day,” said Chuck Kiner, ODOT engineer. “So, it was in desperate need of a fourth lane.”

For drivers making their way from Dublin to Hilliard and back, all four lanes of I-270 are now open in both directions.

Final surface paving will follow in 2019.

The Smart Lane Project

At this point, all resurfacing on I-670 is complete. It's an important task to finish before winter, according to ODOT.

Ongoing interchange work at I-270 and I-670 won’t impact drivers enjoying the new pavement. By the end of the year, the portable barrier wall will be gone.

The real fun, ODOT engineers explained, will come in the New Year when drivers will see additions like the digital overheard signs for the Smart Lane.

The East Side Split

All lanes of the East Side Split are in their final configuration, meaning drivers once again have the relief of two lanes to continue west on I-70.

“I actually drove it first thing Monday morning and there was no backup at 8 a.m.,” said Natina Ariss, ODOT engineer. “I drove right through it, so I’m sure I’m not the only one that is excited about that.”

With I-70 west opened to two lanes through the East Side Split, the typical bottleneck situation in the area is seeing improvement.

In addition, by the end of the year, all lanes of Mound Street and Fulton Street will be open, along with the Grant Avenue Bridge, connecting the south side to downtown once again.

Continuing work in 2019 will include more paving, landscaping and sidewalk work.

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While there are projects coming to a close, some, like the South Side Mega Fix, won’t be complete for several more years.

Read about the latest projects and up-to-the-minute traffic jams by clicking here.